Steve Jackson's Cardboard Heroes are what I used in the 80s. Now that they are in PDF you can easily print as many copies of the same model as you need.http://www.sjgames.com/heroes/

I briefly mention CH in the column (I used to own a set), but the query that sparked it came from someone who probably couldn't afford either of these options. So I focused on really cheap alternatives.

I've played in a few games where the GM used Pathfinder Pawns, and would probably invest in some myself if I wasn't in the habit of building what I need out of LEGO.